Finding Strength in Honest Emotions
I often hear people say, “If you trust God, then you shouldn’t be sad, angry, or upset.” But I don’t believe this is sound biblical teaching.
The Bible is full of examples of God Himself expressing emotion: righteous anger, grief, compassion, even jealousy (Exodus 34:14; John 11:35; Mark 3:5).
To dismiss our own emotions as weakness overlooks the truth that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That means the capacity to feel deeply is not a flaw, it is part of the divine imprint within us.
Of course, some might counter with, “But God is sovereign; He can do whatever He wants.” That is true according to Psalm 115:3, and yet, the other truth remains: God created us to bear His likeness. Our emotions, when surrendered and aligned with Him, can become bridges to deeper intimacy.
David poured out his sorrow and frustration in the Psalms (Psalm 13; Psalm 42:11).
Jeremiah is called “the weeping prophet” (Jeremiah 9:1).
Even Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray and wept openly (Luke 5:16; John 11:35).
Scripture does not demand emotional suppression; it invites honesty before God.
The world, however, is loud with its opinions. Noise about how to worship, how to pray, how to behave in church, how to measure faith. Yet beyond the commands to love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39), and to fellowship together (Hebrews 10:24–25), there is no rigid formula dictating how an individual must engage God.
Worship is not confined to pews or pulpits. Worship is also in the tending of the temple of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), in the care of our spirits, in listening for the still, small voice of God (1 Kings 19:12).
As I reflect on history, I wonder how and when the Church became so fragmented. I know some of the context: the union of church and state, the Crusades, denominational splits, but I also believe tradition often overshadows the heart of God.
Jesus consistently pushed back against the weight of man-made rules that distorted God’s intent (Mark 7:6–8). People still, at times, choose to worship leaders rather than God Himself. That’s not a judgment—just an observation.
Some lead with fear, some with charisma, some with genuine love, and sadly, some with manipulation. Which is why I’ve learned to value wise counsel while still seeking God personally for how I am to live, serve, and worship.
True worship, I believe, is expressed in tangible acts of service (Matthew 25:35–36), in caring for those in need, in gathering in community, and in stealing away for quiet moments of prayer and renewal.
I love small groups, learning in community, and the sweetness of fellowship. Yet as an empath, I also need solitude—time to just be with God. Even Jesus modeled this balance (Luke 5:16).
This world will always hand us rules and expectations. But ultimately, it is you and God who will walk your path together. Don’t let the cares of this life pull you in a hundred directions. Be grounded, like a tree planted by streams of living water (Psalm 1:3). Find peace within, for God intended us not merely to exist but to live abundantly (John 10:10). Nature itself testifies to God’s design—a rhythm of rootedness, growth, and flourishing.
Closing Reflection:
When we strip away the noise of tradition, judgment, and human expectation, what remains is God’s invitation to be fully alive, emotions and all. To walk with Him in honesty, not pretense. To love, to weep, to grow angry at injustice, to rejoice in beauty, to rest in His presence.
If we are made in His image, then our humanity is not a flaw to be hidden but a reflection of His own heart. The world will always demand more rules, more masks, more performance. But God desires your presence, not your perfection.
So breathe deep. Root yourself like the tree by living waters. Let your life be worship, not just your words. And in all things, remember, you are not alone on this journey. God sees you. God knows you. And God delights in you, even here, even now.
With Love,
Stacie J.
